Huawei continues to push the boundaries of smartphone technology with the Mate 70 Pro, the latest in its flagship series. Known for delivering top-tier hardware with cutting-edge features, the Mate 70 Pro is no exception, boasting significant upgrades in design, performance, camera, and software. Despite some restrictions in the international market, Huawei’s innovation shines through, especially in markets where its ecosystem thrives.
Let’s dive into the key features of the Huawei Mate 70 Pro and see how it stands against the competition.
1. Design and Build: Sleek and Premium
The Mate 70 Pro carries forward Huawei’s tradition of elegant design with a refined look. It’s encased in a ceramic body that feels both durable and premium. The front is dominated by a nearly bezel-less display, with a waterfall curve on both edges, making it seem like the screen is spilling over the sides.
Huawei also introduces new color options, including Obsidian Black and Mystic Silver, offering a premium, futuristic look. The in-hand feel is comfortable, despite the large screen size, thanks to its carefully contoured edges.
Pros:
- Premium ceramic body with a striking waterfall display.
- Comfortable grip despite its large screen size.
- Unique color options and polished aesthetics.
Cons:
- The waterfall display may lead to accidental touches for some users.
- No major design overhaul compared to the Mate 60 Pro.
2. Display: OLED with 120Hz Refresh Rate
The 6.78-inch OLED display on the Mate 70 Pro offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness levels, rivaling the best in the market. With a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen feels smooth and responsive, making it ideal for gaming, scrolling, and general navigation. The 2K resolution ensures crisp detail whether you’re watching videos or reading content.
Huawei has also introduced Adaptive Refresh Rate technology, which automatically adjusts the refresh rate to conserve battery life. Additionally, HDR10+ support ensures a rich multimedia experience, with enhanced contrast and color accuracy.
Pros:
- Gorgeous OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.
- 2K resolution and HDR10+ deliver a stunning viewing experience.
- Adaptive Refresh Rate optimizes battery consumption.
Cons:
- The extreme curved display can be polarizing for some users.
- Competitors in the same price range offer similar display specs.
3. Performance: Kirin 9000S Chipset
At the heart of the Mate 70 Pro is Huawei’s new Kirin 9000S chipset, a home-grown solution developed to circumvent global trade restrictions. The chipset offers blazing-fast performance and is highly efficient in handling multitasking, gaming, and AI-driven processes. Coupled with 12GB of RAM, the phone can handle even the most demanding applications without breaking a sweat.
Huawei has also placed a strong emphasis on AI performance, enhancing features like on-device voice recognition, real-time language translation, and image processing. The AI optimizations ensure that the Mate 70 Pro remains fast and responsive over time.
Pros:
- Kirin 9000S chipset delivers flagship-level performance.
- AI optimizations make everyday tasks smoother and more intelligent.
- Excellent for multitasking, gaming, and heavy app usage.
Cons:
- Lack of 5G support in some international markets due to sanctions.
- May not have the same app compatibility as Snapdragon-based devices.
4. Camera System: 50MP Triple-Camera Setup
Huawei has always been a leader in smartphone photography, and the Mate 70 Pro continues that tradition. Equipped with a 50MP primary sensor, a 40MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, the camera system is designed for versatility and precision.
The Mate 70 Pro excels in low-light photography, with its large sensor allowing more light to hit the lens, resulting in brighter, clearer shots in dark environments. AI-driven features such as scene recognition and dynamic range enhancements automatically optimize settings for different conditions, making it easy for users to take professional-quality photos.
The telephoto lens offers impressive zoom capabilities, with up to 50x digital zoom, while maintaining sharpness and detail. Video recording supports 8K resolution, allowing for ultra-high-definition videos with excellent stabilization.
Pros:
- Versatile triple-camera system with a 50MP primary sensor.
- Exceptional low-light performance with advanced AI optimizations.
- 8K video recording with excellent stabilization.
Cons:
- Selfie camera could use improvements compared to rear cameras.
- Telephoto lens digital zoom quality degrades at higher magnifications.
5. Battery Life and Charging: 5000mAh with SuperCharge
The 5000mAh battery ensures that the Mate 70 Pro can easily last a full day on a single charge, even with heavy usage. Huawei’s 66W SuperCharge technology provides lightning-fast charging, taking the phone from 0 to 100% in just under 40 minutes. The device also supports 50W wireless charging, one of the fastest in the industry, making it convenient for users who prefer cable-free power.
In addition to these, reverse wireless charging allows the Mate 70 Pro to act as a power bank for other devices, such as wireless earbuds or another smartphone.
Pros:
- Large 5000mAh battery for all-day usage.
- Super-fast 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
- Reverse wireless charging offers additional utility.
Cons:
- High refresh rate and 2K display can drain the battery faster without optimizations.
- Competitors offer similar or faster charging solutions.
6. Software: HarmonyOS 4.0
The Mate 70 Pro comes with HarmonyOS 4.0, Huawei’s proprietary operating system. The OS feels familiar to Android users but with a few distinctive features. Fluid animations, enhanced privacy controls, and a customizable user interface are some of its standout features. HarmonyOS also improves multi-device integration within Huawei’s ecosystem, allowing seamless communication between Huawei smartphones, laptops, tablets, and wearables.
However, a key limitation is the lack of native support for Google Mobile Services (GMS). While Huawei’s AppGallery continues to expand, some users may find the lack of direct access to Google apps and services inconvenient.
Pros:
- HarmonyOS is smooth, intuitive, and well-integrated with Huawei’s ecosystem.
- Enhanced privacy and security features.
- Multi-device integration for users in Huawei’s ecosystem.
Cons:
- No support for Google Mobile Services may be a dealbreaker for some users.
- AppGallery still lacks some popular apps found on Google Play.
7. Pricing and Verdict
The Huawei Mate 70 Pro starts at around $1,200, positioning it in the premium smartphone category. For the price, it delivers top-notch performance, a stunning camera system, and a premium design. However, the lack of 5G and Google services in many markets might be a concern for international buyers.
Pros:
- Premium flagship performance and design.
- Impressive camera system, especially for low-light photography.
- Smooth HarmonyOS with excellent multi-device support.
Cons:
- No Google services could deter international users.
- Lack of 5G in some regions limits future-proofing.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Huawei Mate 70 Pro?
The Huawei Mate 70 Pro is undoubtedly a powerful flagship that impresses with its design, performance, and camera capabilities. For users within Huawei’s ecosystem or those looking for a high-end device with an emphasis on AI features, photography, and a sleek design, this phone is a strong contender.
However, international users who rely heavily on Google services or 5G connectivity may find alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy S24 or iPhone 16 more suitable. Nonetheless, Huawei proves that even under global constraints, they can deliver a world-class smartphone.